We rely on medical professionals at some of the most vulnerable times of our lives–when we’re sick, injured, or having a baby. Fortunately, most healthcare providers take that responsibility seriously. But, when a doctor or healthcare facility is negligent, the consequences can be devastating.
If a medical provider’s negligence harmed you or you have lost a loved one to medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation. Every case is different, but damages in a medical malpractice case may include losses such as:
- The cost of additional medical care and/or extended time in the hospital due to the negligence
- Reimbursement for earnings lost as a result of the medical negligence
- Other costs associated with the harm you suffered, such as the cost of equipment, modifications to your home or vehicle, and assistance with areas of your life you previously attended to
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of quality of life
Your Charleston medical malpractice attorney can give you more specific information about the types of damages that may be available in your case.
Why Choose Frank Hartman for Your Medical Malpractice Case?
Medical malpractice attorney Frank Hartman has been fighting for injured people in and around Charleston for decades. He has deep roots in the community, and he truly cares about getting the best possible result for every client.
Frank also has:
- Extensive experience with a wide range of negligence cases, including Charleston medical malpractice cases
- An understanding of the special requirements that make medical malpractice cases more complicated
- Deep knowledge of the local court systems in and around Charleston
- The knowledge and resources to identify and hire the right experts for your case
- Experience collaborating with medical experts
- Knowledge of the insurance carriers most commonly involved in local malpractice cases and their attorneys
- The ability and willingness to fight your case in court if that’s the best approach for you
Schedule your free consultation with The Hartman Law Firm right now by calling 843-300-7600 or filling out our contact form.
Understanding Medical Malpractice and Patient Rights
You are in charge of your medical care. That means you have a right to ask questions, to obtain copies of your medical records, and to seek a second opinion. You also have the right to care that meets the accepted standard, and to pursue fair compensation if these or other rights are violated.
Do You Have a Medical Malpractice Claim?
In South Carolina, the bar for medical malpractice claims is high. You can’t file a medical malpractice lawsuit just because you had a bad medical outcome. You must be able to show that the medical provider failed to act within the accepted standard of care for the profession. There are also additional hurdles to clear before filing suit.
Before filing a medical malpractice claim or wrongful death suit based on medical malpractice, the plaintiff must file a Notice of Intent to File Suit and an affidavit from an expert witness. In other words, you must find a medical professional with the appropriate qualifications who is willing to say under oath that the provider didn’t live up to the accepted standard of care.
This step is not required in most other types of negligence cases, such as a car accident lawsuit or a slip and fall claim. And, in certain emergency care situations, simple negligence is not enough to support a medical malpractice claim–the injured party must show that the medical provider acted with gross negligence.
Consult a Medical Malpractice Lawyer to Find Out Whether You Have a Case
The best source of information about whether you may have a medical malpractice claim is to talk to a medical malpractice lawyer in Charleston, SC. An attorney experienced with medical malpractice cases will be able to explain the standard and the steps you need to take before filing. A local malpractice lawyer can also arrange for a qualified professional to review your case and potentially submit the required affidavit.
How We Help Clients Injured by Medical Negligence
When you hire The Hartman Law Firm for your medical malpractice case, we will take charge of your claim so you can focus on recovering from the harm they caused and rebuilding. That includes everything from finding the right expert to evaluate your case to preparing your notice of intent, investigating your claim and more.
You won’t have to worry about the legal complexities of a medical negligence claim, or about tasks like gathering medical records. And, you won’t have to engage with insurance companies, who often mislead and manipulate injury victims to try to avoid payment.
What to Expect When You Work with a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
The best medical malpractice lawyer for you will be one who:
- Has extensive experience with similar case types
- Listens to your story and your concerns and answers your questions clearly
- Knows the local legal landscape and what to expect from insurance companies
- Is prepared to fight for you
The first step is typically for the malpractice lawyer to listen to your story, ask you questions, and look at some of your medical records to determine whether you may have a claim. If the attorney believes you have a valid claim, the next step is to secure an affidavit from an expert and file the required notice.
What comes next depends on your case. In some cases, negotiations may result in a settlement before a lawsuit is even filed. In others, your medical malpractice attorney will have to file a lawsuit to keep your case moving forward.
When you hire The Hartman Law Firm, Frank will make sure you always know what to expect.
Speak with a Trusted Medical Malpractice Attorney in Charleston, SC
Medical malpractice claims are among the most complicated types of negligence claims. It’s easy to get discouraged or to make mistakes that can hurt your case. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Call The Hartman Law Firm Today at 843-300-7600 or fill out our contact form to learn more about how we can help.